Prosser winemaker Gordon Taylor just continues to release one stunning red after another. The latest Syrah which he produced from his winery along the northern flanks of the Horse Heaven Hills, overlooking the Yakima River, opens with Marionberry, black cherry and boysenberry notes that include moist earth, sweet herbs and dusty minerality. Those dark purple fruit tones are … [Read more...] about Daven Lore Winery 2013 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $29
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Cinder Wines 2015 Off-dry Riesling, Snake River Valley, $18
Another lauded graduate of the University of Ste. Michelle - Melanie Krause - only recently began producing a Riesling under her own brand in her home state of Idaho. She worked with a handful of Snake River Valley growers - Sawtooth, Skyline, Symms, Trusdell and Williamson - for one of the best examples you're likely to find anywhere the Pacific Northwest. On the palate, it … [Read more...] about Cinder Wines 2015 Off-dry Riesling, Snake River Valley, $18
Forsyth Brio 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
Longtime Prosser winemaker David Forsyth has his pick of many vineyards throughout Washington, but he's made Kiona Vineyards a focus of his personal program. Opulent aromas of black currant, Chukar Cherry, graphite and Weetabix transition to a bold drink of blackberry and cherry. A pour of dark-roast coffee, sizable Red Mountain tannins and an injection of pomegranate and … [Read more...] about Forsyth Brio 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, $50
Split Rail Winery 2014 Barbera, Snake River Valley, $35
Engineer-turned-winemaker Jed Glavin is helping to grow the audience for Idaho wines with the work at his Split Rail Winery in the Boise suburb of Garden City. He pulled the fruit for this Barbera from Arena Valley Vineyard near Parma, and the results are impressive. The theme centers on expressive oak, plum and blueberry aromas and flavors in a plush, spicy and surprising … [Read more...] about Split Rail Winery 2014 Barbera, Snake River Valley, $35
Crossings Winery 2012 Bleu Noir Estate Blaufränkisch, Snake River Valley, $19
Owner/general manager Doug Jones is a West Coast promoter of Blaufränkisch, a rare red grape with Austrian origins. It’s more commonly known in this country as Lemberger, but Jones has enjoyed success labeling and marketing it in Idaho as “Blue Noir,” a term he’s trademarked yet is willing to share with other wineries to help raise the grape's status with consumers. Neil … [Read more...] about Crossings Winery 2012 Bleu Noir Estate Blaufränkisch, Snake River Valley, $19